Heath Miller was Steelers' emergency quarterback vs. Chiefs

Heath Miller was prepared to enter the Pittsburgh Steelers' Monday night game against the Kansas City Chiefs at quarterback if the team needed someone to replace Byron Leftwich after he entered the game replacing Ben Roethlisberger.

The Steelers have three quarterbacks on their roster: Roethlisberger, Leftwich, and veteran Charlie Batch. However, with a variety of other injuries keeping starters such as Rashard Mendenhall, Troy Polamalu, Antonio Brown, and Marcus Gilbert out of the game, the team needed every one of its 45 spots on its active roster for players who would likely see the field, as opposed to Batch, who would only need to play should the team's top two QB's get hurt. So he wasn't suited up Monday night.

Miller was next in line: the tight end played quarterback in high school, winning all-state honors and committing to Virginia to play the position before being switched to tight end. He's been at that position ever since. Alan Robinson of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reports that although he was technically ready to play, he hadn't had much preparation for the extreme circumstance:

Teams usually draw up a sequence of plays for such conditions but, Miller said, "It would have been a very small package."

And how many snaps has he taken in practice? "Maybe two," he said.

There used to be an obscure rule allowing teams to keep third quarterbacks inactive, but play anyway under the condition that neither of the team's top two quarterbacks would be allowed to re-enter, but that was abolished after the 2011 season.

Miller had four receptions in the game for 47 yards. He leads the team in receptions with 43 and is third in yards with 431.

Ben Roethlisberger injury: could Steelers QB's season be finished?

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin refused to address the question of if Ben Roethlisberger will be able to return this year after suffering a rib and shoulder injury in the Steelers 16-13 win over the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday.

Tomlin was asked if he was confident Roethlisberger would return; he scoffed at the question, quickly said "next question" and moved on. The tone in Tomlin's voice indicated that he thought it was a stupid question that he did not have to dignify with an answer rather than any cause for fear or concern, according to Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

Roethlisberger suffered a sprained SC joint in his right shoulder (his throwing shoulder) and the Steelers have already ruled him out for Sunday's matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. The injury typically takes from three to six weeks to fully heal. With Roethlisberger out, Byron Leftwich will start for Pittsburgh on Sunday. Kickoff is at 8:20 p.m. ET.

Ben Roethlisberger injury: Steelers QB's return date unclear

The Pittsburgh Steelers won on Monday night, but they lost in a broader sense when quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was forced to leave the game in the second quarter with a shoulder injury.

After having an MRI on Tuesday, it was discovered Roethlisberger suffered a sprained SC joint in his throwing shoulder, which typically can take three to six weeks for a full recovery, according to triblive.com.

Doctor David Geier has the following opinion of the injury, per triblive.com:

"It’s really painful early on," said Geier, who is not involved in the case but has treated numerous college and pro athletes. "They try to get the pain under control and they start working on shoulder motion and rotator cuff strength. It can take a few weeks before you’re back to 100 percent, other than the big lump there (on the chest)."

However, Mike Tomlin has Roethlisberger listed as questionable going into his team's massive showdown against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night. It's hard to imagine a scenario where Roethlisberger could play, but the two-time Super Bowl champion has shown the ability to play through pain before.

If he can't go as many expect, the job will become Byron Leftwich's as it was against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half last week.

Tomlin isn't overly concerned, showing faith in Leftwich and his team, per triblive.com:

"We got a lot of ball in front of us," Tomlin said Tuesday. "If he plays, we’ll expect (Leftwich) to play winning football."

Ben Roethlisberger injury: Steelers not interested in David Garrard

Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin said on SiriusXM NFL Radio on Tuesday that the Steelers have no interest in signing free-agent quarterback David Garrard. When asked about Garrard, Tomlin said, "I don't think that's necessary for us." Tomlin indicated he was comfortable with backups Byron Leftwich and Charlie Batch.

Ben Roehlisberger suffered a shoulder sprain in Monday night's 16-13 overtime win over the Kansas City Chiefs. It is unknown if the injury will force him to miss the Steelers' game against the Baltimore Ravens on Nov. 18, but if he is unable to play, Leftwich will get the start in his place.

Tomlin said he didn't think Pittsburgh would make any large changes to its gameplan if Leftwich is the starter on Sunday. In relief of Roethlisberger on Monday, Leftwich went 7-of-14 for 73 yards, but the Steelers struggled to move the ball all night.

David Garrard last played with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2010. He signed with the Miami Dolphins on March 19, 2012, but was forced to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery during the preseason and was released on Sept. 4.

Ben Roethlisberger injury: Steelers QB has shoulder sprain

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been diagnosed with a shoulder sprain, according to head coach Mike Tomlin on Tuesday afternoon. As of this time, Roethlisberger is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens.

Tomlin stated that the shoulder sprain has been classified as a sternoclavicular joint sprain, often referred to as an SC joint sprain. The severity of the injury was not addressed during Tomlin's media availability, but a SC joint sprain was the same injury that ended Brett Favre's "Iron Man" streak in 2010, which was the first game he missed in his professional career.

Roethlisberger sustained the injury in the third quarter of Monday night's game against the Kansas City Chiefs when he was sandwiched by Chief linebackers Justin Houston and Tamba Hali.

If Roethlisberger is unavailable for Sunday's contest, Tomlin has already confirmed that backup Byron Leftwich will take over as the team's starting quarterback.

Chiefs vs. Steelers 2012 reactions: Steelers win in 'one of their worst performances'

The Pittsburgh Steelers used a timely interception by linebacker Lawrence Timmons and a 23-yard game-winning field goal by kicker Shaun Suisham to edge the Kansas City Chiefs, 16-13, in overtime Monday night at Heinz Field.

The pair of big plays, which both came in the extra session, helped the Steelers (6-3) overcome an early 10-point deficit and the loss of quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who injured his shoulder in the third quarter.

The win is being called one of the Steelers' worst performances of the season according the SB Nation blog Behind the Steel Curtain:

It was the Steelers' 15th straight home win on Monday Night Football, and had to be one of their worst performances, win or lose, during that stretch.

The win was overshadowed by Roethlisberger's injury, which forced backup Byron Leftwich into action. The result was positive for the Steelers, however, could have implications down the road.

Roethlisberger left the stadium, and will be evaluated as the week progresses. If it is a shoulder separation, as it appeared, it's highly unlikely he'll play against Baltimore in Week 11 - a game with massive playoff implications.

Next week, the Steelers host the Baltimore Ravens in a Sunday Night showdown (8:20 p.m. on NBC). The Steelers are currently on a four-game winning streak and are 4-0 at home.

Ben Roethlisberger injury: Can Steelers win without star QB?

The Steelers won an ugly one against the Chiefs Monday night, losing their quarterback in the process.

Chiefs vs. Steelers recap: Pittsburgh edges KC in overtime, Ben Roethlisberger injured

It was not the prettiest evening at Heinz Field, as the Steelers needed overtime to beat the Chiefs and may have lost their quarterback to a serious shoulder injury.

Chiefs vs. Steelers 2012 score update: Pittsburgh and Kansas City tied after 3 quarters, 10-10

The Pittsburgh Steelers lost their starting quarterback and the Kansas City Chiefs had two touchdowns taken off the board, as both teams went scoreless in the third quarter.

First, Matt Cassel connected with Dwayne Bowe on a short route on the left side of the field. Bowe caught the ball, got a few blocks and scampered into the end zone for the Chiefs' second touchdown of the night, but the score was called back on an offensive holding penalty. The drive then stalled, and Ryan Succop missed a chip-shot, 33-yard field goal to the right. What looked like a promising red-zone trip ended with no points.

On the following drive, Byron Leftwich took over for Ben Roethlisberger, who was forced to leave the game with a right shoulder injury. On his third play from scrimmage, Leftwich fumbled, the Chiefs recovered and ran for a touchdown. However, the play was reviewed and overturned after it was shown to be an incomplete pass.

Leftwich and the Steelers then continued their drive, eventually moving the ball to midfield, where they were faced with a fourth-and-one. Head coach Mike Tomlin elected to go for it. but Isaac Redman was stopped for a loss and the Steelers turned the ball over on downs.

Byron Leftwich is 1-of-3 for 31 yards filling in for Roethlisberger.

Ben Roethlisberger injury: Steelers QB carted off with hurt shoulder

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger injured his right shoulder Monday night against the Chiefs, and his return in the second half is questionable.

Chiefs vs. Steelers 2012 score update: Pittsburgh and Kansas City knotted at halftime, 10-10

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs head to halftime on Monday Night Football tied, 10-10.

The Chiefs began the second quarter with a third-and-goal on the Steelers' 3-yard line but were unable to punch it in, settling for a field goal to extend their lead to 10-0.

The Pittsburgh Steelers then took over with 14:20 remaining in the half. Roethlisberger led the offense on an 11-play, 37-yard drive, but stalled on the Kansas City 17-yard line. Shaun Suisham converted a 35-yard field goal to cut the deficit to seven points, at 10-3.

The Steelers forced the Chiefs to punt from their own 12-yard line on the following possession, giving Pittsburgh the ball at midfield. Ben Roethlisberger then proceeded to march his offense down to Kansas City goalline, where he hooked up with Mike Wallace on an amazing, one-handed touchdown reception to tie the game, 10-10.

At the half, Ben Roethlisberger is 9-of-17 for 84 yards and one touchdown, while running back Jonathan Dwyer leads the Pittsburgh rushing attack with seven rushes for 35 yards. Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassell has converted 5-of-9 passes for 78 yards. Jamaal Charles has one rushing touchdown and 65 total yards on the ground.

GIF: Mike Wallace's crazy catch vs. Chiefs

Here's a GIF of Mike Wallace's wild game-tying touchdown catch against the Chiefs. Wallace grabs the ball with one hand, and it ends up between his knees. He grabs it and pulls it to his chest just before rolling out of the end zone. Nearing the end of the first half, the two teams are tied at 10.

via assets.sbnation.com

Chiefs vs. Steelers 2012 score update: Kansas City leads, 7-0, after 1st quarter

The Pittsburgh Steelers trail the Kansas City Chiefs after one quarter on a wet, rainy Monday Night Football.

After a punt from both teams, the Kansas City Chiefs took over with the ball on their own 30-yard line. They then put together a four-play drive in under two minutes, which included a 7-yard rush from Jamaal Charles, a 38-yard completion from Matt Cassell to Tony Moeaki, a 13-yard completion to Dexter McCluster and a 12-yard touchdown run from Charles to give the Chiefs an early 7-0 lead.

That touchdown marked the first time this season the Kansas City Chiefs have held a lead in regulation.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have managed only 46 total yards, with 6 yards coming on the ground. Just before the end of the quarter, running back Isaac Redman ran up the middle and fumbled. The Chiefs recovered, and taking possession on the Steelers' 10-yard line. When the quarter ended, Kansas City was faced with a third-and-three from the 3-yard line.

Chiefs vs. Steelers: Game time, TV schedule, injury updates and more

The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to notch a win against the 1-7 Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football, with the defense playing its most consistent ball of the season of late and the Chiefs allowing 30 points per game.

Antonio Brown injury 'worse than believed,' according to report

Antonio Brown will not only miss Monday night's game against the Kansas City Chiefs, but the Pittsburgh Steelers' wide receiver could be out for several weeks with a still-undisclosed injury.

The injury was initially reported as a high ankle sprain that likely wouldn't keep him out for any playing time, but Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk's source disagreed on both fronts. Florio reported that the injury wasn't a high ankle sprain, although it is an ankle injury and that the problem is "worse than believed" and could keep the receiver out for an uncertain amount of time.

Brown leads the team in receptions with 42 and is just off of the team lead in yards, with 499 -- Mike Wallace has 525. The third-year player out of Central Michigan will be replaced by Emmanuel Sanders as the starter at Brown's wide receiver spot. There's currently no time frame for Brown's return.

Steelers cannot afford to overlook Chiefs

After Sunday's results, a win against the Chiefs on Monday night is necessary for the Steelers to keep pace with division foes.

Steelers vs. Chiefs: What will Chris Rainey's role be?

Chris Rainey cracked one of his ribs against the New York Giants, but the Pittsburgh Steelers' running back will reportedly play Monday night against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Neal Coolong of Behind the Steel Curtain wonders why the explosive rookie out of Florida will play through the pain this week: although he's an asset to the Pittsburgh running game and special teams, he's not irreplaceable. As a backup running back behind a healthy Isaac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer, Rainey has just 16 carries on the team, and could be benched in favor of Baron Batch.

Although he helps as a kick and punt returner in the absence of Antonio Brown, those duties could be handled by Emmanuel Sanders. Perhaps, Coolong hypothesizes, Todd Haley is merely using the speedy running back as a diversion:

Rainey's explosiveness can be an asset even without the ball in his hands. If he's distracting the opponents, as Haley suggested he was earlier in the year, perhaps the game plan is to have him continue participating in the same formations he has to this point in the year, but with no intention of getting him the ball.

Coolong points out that Rainey fumbled last week, even when he wasn't playing with a cracked rib, on account of poor ball protection. With a painful injury, he's even more of a liability to make a mistake with the ball in his hands.

Steelers vs. Chiefs: Todd Haley not focusing on past in Kansas City

Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley is coaching against a team that fired him less than a year ago, but the assistant coach insists he holds no grudges against the Kansas City Chiefs organization.

Haley was head coach of the Chiefs for parts of three seasons. However, his time as coach ended towards the close of last year, when he was fired by general manager Scott Pioli with his team sitting at 5-8. He was replaced by Romeo Crennel, whose squad has gone 3-8 since, including a 1-7 start this year. Now coaching against his old team for the first time, Haley says that the game is just like any other week now that he's with Pittsburgh, as reported by Alan Robinson of the Tribune-Review:

"I’ve moved on," he said. "I’m happy to be a part of this great organization. It’s a tight-knit family, a unique environment hard to find. And I know the Chiefs have moved on, too."

Ben Roethlisberger, however, said that Haley has been a bit different this week:

"He hasn’t come out and said anything like ‘Let’s go get ’em’ or anything," quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said. "But you always have that feeling (when you go against a former team). … You can see it."

Haley started out 0-5 in Kansas City and finished badly as well, losing four of their last five when Matt Cassel got hurt and needed to be replaced by Tyler Palko. In between, he did alright: his overall record was 19-26, and the team won the AFC West to get to the playoffs in 2010. Now with the Steelers, Haley has been at the helm for a mini-offensive revival, with the team jumping from 22nd to 13th in total points scored. Ben Roethlisberger's touchdown numbers have increased while he's thrown less interceptions and the team has had strong rushing performances the last few weeks despite a slew of injuries at the running back position.

NFL odds and lines Week 10: Chiefs vs. Steelers

Pittsburgh is a heavy favorite at home against the disastrous Kansas City Chiefs.

Steelers vs. Chiefs: What's behind success of Steelers' running game?

SB Nation's Behind the Steel Curtain is wondering: Who do you credit for the success of the Pittsburgh Steelers' running game?

1. The Steelers have now seen strong performances from Rashard Mendenhall, Jonathan Dwyer, and Isaac Redman. Most people, including several in this space last week, credit the line for this turnaround. But Max Starks suggested that success might be due to the end to "running back by committee." What say you?

Despite dealing with a rash of injuries in the backfield -- which include all of the above names -- the Steelers have been solid on the ground this season.

At the beginning of the Steelers' three-game winning streak, which was a 24-17 win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Oct. 21, Dwyer rushed for 122 yards on 17 carries. A week later, Dwyer picked up 107 yards on 17 carries to help Pittsburgh beat the Washington Redskins, 27-12.

On Sunday against the New York Giants, Redman had the biggest game of the bunch. He rushed for 147 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries.

Overall, Dwyer is the team's leading rusher. In five games, he has 299 yards on 58 carries. The second-year back out of Georgia Tech is still looking for his first career touchdown run.

Redman is right on Dwyer's tail after his big week. Redman has 274 yards and two touchdowns on 76 carries.

The Steelers will look for another big week on the ground -- no matter who is carrying the ball -- on Monday night against the Kansas City Chiefs.

Chiefs vs. Steelers: Antonio Brown unlikely to play

Antonio Brown is likely to miss Monday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs because of injury.